Portugal’s New Job Seeker Visa: Opening Doors for Highly Qualified Professionals

Javier Mateo | Lawyer

Portugal continues to consolidate its position as one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for international professionals and investors. Combining economic stability, lifestyle quality, and a growing innovation ecosystem, the country is now taking another step toward attracting global talent through the creation of a specific visa for highly qualified workers.
 
The Job Seeker Visa for Highly Qualified Professionals, established under Article 57-A of Law No. 23/2007, of 4 July, as amended by Law No. 61/2025, of 22 October, enables foreign nationals with advanced qualifications to enter Portugal for the purpose of seeking employment corresponding to their skill level. This measure is part of the government’s broader strategy to address labour shortages in key sectors while ensuring that immigration channels remain selective and structured.
 
This insight explains the key legal features of the visa, from eligibility and procedure to the next steps once the applicant is in Portugal.

The Job Seeker Visa allows citizens of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland to enter Portugal to look for qualified employment opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications, financial means, travel documents, and a genuine intention to find a job compatible with their academic or professional background.
 
The main conditions include proof of higher education or relevant professional certification qualifying the applicant for positions of high complexity or technical demand, evidence of sufficient resources to support themselves throughout their stay, valid health insurance covering medical and repatriation expenses, and a record of good conduct. In addition to the specific eligibility criteria of Article 57-A, applicants must also comply with the general requirements applicable to all residence visas, pursuant to Article 52 of Law No. 23/2007, namely not being subject to an entry ban or listed for refusal of entry in the Schengen Information System or equivalent EU databases.
 
The specific list of professions and qualification levels considered “highly qualified” will be determined by future government regulations, which are expected to align with the European Union’s Blue Card framework and Portugal’s National Qualifications Catalogue.

The visa application must be submitted through the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, following a procedure designed to confirm that all professional, financial, and personal requirements set out by law are duly met.

Before applying, candidates must submit an Expression of Intent to the IEFP, the Portuguese Employment Service, confirming their intention to seek qualified employment in Portugal. The Portuguese authorities are expected to review this requirement shortly, and it may consequently be subject to modification.

Once all documents are prepared and submitted, consular services typically decide within 60 days. If approved, the visa is issued for a period of 120 days, permitting entry into Portugal and an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) for residence regularisation.

The Job Seeker Visa remains valid for 120 days, during which the holder may stay in Portugal and actively seek employment. If the applicant secures a position compatible with their qualifications, they may then apply for a Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Activity under Article 77 of Law No. 23/2007.
 
This second stage requires evidence of an employment contract or a binding job offer, proof of sufficient income and accommodation, and compliance with tax and social security obligations. The visa often includes a pre-scheduled appointment with AIMA, allowing for a smoother transition from temporary stay to residence status, and it may be extended for a further period of 60 days, subject to duly justified circumstances.
 
If no job is found within the validity period and the residence permit process has not begun, the visa expires, and the holder must leave Portugal. A new application for the same purpose can only be made one year after the expiry of the previous visa.

Article 57-A introduces a flexible and forward-looking pathway into the Portuguese labour market. Previously, foreign professionals needed to obtain an employment contract before entering the country, which limited access to emerging opportunities. The new visa reverses this logic by enabling highly qualified individuals to come first, understand the local market, and pursue suitable positions directly.

For Portuguese employers, this mechanism simplifies recruitment by giving them access to a pool of legally present and pre-vetted international talent. For applicants, it represents a safe and structured opportunity to explore Portugal’s professional landscape before committing to long-term relocation.
 
Given that the application involves coordination between several authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IEFP, and AIMA, legal guidance is strongly advised to ensure full compliance and to optimise timing between the job search and residence permit application.